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Listen. Father's Day is tough.
Don't take this the wrong way; celebrating fathers is great, but the list of good gift ideas gets painfully shorter and exceedingly more boring as the years pass. You can only give him so many "World's Greatest Dad" mugs and neckties before it just gets, well, old.
But there's no need to overthink things. Sometimes the best gifts are simple and inexpensive. If you've racked your brain for weeks trying to figure out the ultimate gift, here's eight gifts your dad will actually appreciate.
1. Sleeping in.
Let him sleep until his heart's content. He'll start off the day in a better mood and you'll be happier because of it. Use that extra alone time in the morning to prep any gifts or breakfast before he wakes up.
2. Time with you.
One-on-one time with the people he loves the most will come as a welcome change of pace from his normal daily grind. Free up your schedule as much as possible and make sure you chunk out some time for him.
3. A breakfast that isn't cereal.
We all know cereal is the breakfast of champions, but like golf balls and ties, it's also pretty ordinary. Spice things up a bit and make him your best Pinterest creation. Extra brownie points if you serve him your Pinterest-worthy breakfast in bed, obviously.
4. An uninterrupted conversation.
When is the last time you talked to your father without simultaneously sending a text message or scrolling through your Facebook feed? If you can't remember, perhaps you should give it a shot this weekend.
5. Something homemade.
Sometimes homemade gifts are the best gifts, and "homemade" here can mean a variety of things. Old-school picture frame made of macaroni noodles? Sure, go for it. Just keep in mind this could either be incredibly cute or slightly awkward depending on your age, so trust your judgment. You could also make him a decadent treat featuring all of his favorites. Oreo cheesecake cookie dough bars, anyone?
6. Time for his hobby.
Is your dad tickled at the sight of a freshly mowed golf course? Or get giddy whenever he passes Jiffy Lube? Whether it's hitting balls on the course or working on cars in his garage, let him do his thing. If you want to up your game, serve him some lemonade or a tasty snack while he participates in said hobby.
7. A silicone ring.
While we are talking about hobbies here, if you really want to show your dad you care then do him a favor and buy him an Enso ring. It’ll be his favorite thing he gets this year and he'll thank you later when he's golfing or fixing his beloved 1969 Camaro and still has all 10 fingers safely intact. Remember Jimmy Fallon’s mishap? Yes, ring avulsion is a real thing and more common that you’d think. Do not Google it.
8. A vocal expression of love and appreciation.
Or in other words, tell him you love him. Cards and notes are great, but if you can actually express your love toward your dad, even if it's over the phone or Skype, it might just make his day. No need to get all mushy, if that's not your thing. Find a way to tell him how you feel in your words, and as with everything else on this list, sincerity is key.
Father's Day can be tough, but that doesn't mean you have to waste money on another tie or mug. Aim to show your dad you care and that you're thinking about him and his needs, and it's sure to be the best Father's Day yet.
